You’ll have a chance soon to see if it’s really true that “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose,” as France implements a New Year’s list of new laws and regulations.
We’ll have to wait a while to see if Jean-Baptiste Karr’s cynical observation that the more things change the more they stay the same is true in this case. And before you decide that Karr is too cynical, keep in mind that he’s also the man who said “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”
Three that may affect travelers in particular:
- POLLUTION STICKERS Cars in Paris will get “pollution stickers,” rated from 0 to 5 based on their air quality impact. Electric, hybrid and low-emission cars get the 0. On future air pollution days, instead of alternating who can drive by license plate numbers, officials will be able to rule the dirtiest cars off the road. Obviously, it will serve as an incentive for upgrades.
- PLASTIC BAGS GET THE SACK Banned from supermarkets since July, the ban now extends to fruit and vegetable markets. All bags must be biodegradable, like paper and certain special plastics. Best to carry a reusable bag, anyway!
- SMOKING GOES PLAINCLOTHES The law already requires cigarettes be sold in plain packages; the famous brand symbols are gone. Enforcement starts now, the transition period is over.
Others that will have less effect on travelers include taking the judge out of uncontested divorces, changes in gas taxes, elimination of some medical co-pays, and a scheme that will pay unemployed youth a wage while providing a year of job training. For more, from TheLocal.fr, click HERE
